Christmas random breath tests down on last year

The annual police Christmas crackdown on drink-driving has begun on a relatively quiet note, with just 28 per cent of the number of random breath tests performed on the operation's first day compared to last year's operation.

But Acting Assistant Commissioner Mike Keating said the dramatic reduction in first-day testing – from 18,062 to 5155 – was not a sign of relaxation from the Queensland Police Service.

"Statistics are always difficult to match up," he said.

"What you see there is the start period of the campaign last year was on a weekend, where this year it was on a Monday, so you will see that balance out over time."

On day one of the Christmas road safety campaign last year, 123 people were caught drink-driving. This year, that number was just 43.

There were 88 drug tests last year, with nine coming back positive. Monday's 43 roadside drug tests are yet to be analysed.

Advertisement

But motorists have not escaped the notice of Queensland's speed cameras, with 2597 photographs taken on Monday, compared to 2081 on day one of the Christmas campaign last year.

"You can expect to see a whole range of activities over the next few days in relation to random breath testing," Mr Keating said.

"I was breath tested myself this morning as I moved around the city.

"...I was driving through the city outbound on Kelvin Grove Road this morning and there was a large random breath testing point.

"It was great to see so many police active and it sends a very strong message to the community that no matter where you are or what you're doing you could well be stopped for a random breath test.

"I'm pleased to say I was allowed to move on my way, as every other motorist seemed to be."

Mr Keating said Christmas was a salient reminder of the cost of road accidents.

"We know in this state this year that 269 people have died on our roads – that's around 270 families that won't have those loved ones join them for Christmas and that's a tragic and sad situation," he said.

"So we would ask people to exercise good judgment, to travel safely. Road safety is their responsibility every day."

At the same time last year, 277 people had lost their lives on Queensland roads. At the end of 2012, Queensland's road toll stood at 280.